Maternal deaths at Harare Maternity Hospital during 1983

There were 51 maternal deaths at Harare Maternity Hospital, Zimbabwe, during 1983, 25 among patients from the greater Harare area and 26 among patients referred from peripheral hospitals or clinics. The overall maternal mortality rate among patients within the greater Harare area was 56/100 000 (including deaths related to abortion). Among 'booked' patients the maternal mortality rate was 29/100 000. Puerperal sepsis, haemorrhage, post-abortal sepsis and hypertensive disease accounted for 78.4% of the deaths. Avoidable factors, considered to be present in 34 cases (66.7%), are discussed.